Articles by Carl Smith
Judge approves Starkville-Oktibbeha school desegregation order
U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills approved the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s desegregation order Monday after school representatives and Department of Justice officials struck a temporary agreement on a number of guidelines last week.
Starkville again receives Playful City USA designation
Starkville earned its fourth-straight Playful City USA designation this year as it and four other Mississippi cities were recognized for their investments in public play spaces for children.
Parks report will compare system’s policies to national standards
An upcoming report on Starkville Parks and Recreation will compare the department’s policies to standards set by the National Recreation and Park Association in an attempt to give aldermen a guidepost for managing it in the future, advisory board members said Thursday.
Staff changes, probation commonplace with current Starkville administration
Chanteau Wilson joined a growing list of Starkville employees in visible, high-profile positions that have either been forced out of their jobs or placed on probation by aldermen since the current board took office two years ago.
District, DOJ reach temporary desegregation agreement
Representatives of the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District and U.S. Department of Justice reached an agreement on a desegregation order for the upcoming school year and will jointly file a more-permanent document by mid-February, court documents filed Tuesday state.
Starkville aldermen effectively fire mayor’s assistant
Chanteau Wilson, Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman’s administrative assistant, became the third person to be effectively fired by the board of aldermen this term.
Oktibbeha’s volunteer fire departments benefiting from grants
U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran made an announcement Monday that Oktibbeha County firefighters have heard numerous times before: Federal grant money will help the volunteer fire department purchase needed equipment.
Supes studying draft of subdivision rules
Oktibbeha County supervisors are hashing through a 65-page proposal that, if enacted, will establish development processes and minimum standards for subdivisions outside of incorporated cities.
Parks report not expected until early Aug.
The Starkville Parks Advisory Board is unlikely to deliver its report of recommendations for the citywide system, members confirmed Thursday, after numerous issues prevented the group from meeting in June.
Marijuana plant seized from Starkville man’s porch
A Starkville man faces a drug charge after police seized a marijuana plant growing on his residence’s porch.
Recusal postpones Vaughn’s DUI trial until Aug.
Starkville Alderman Henry Vaughn’s driving under the influence trial is set for Aug. 11 after Oktibbeha County Prosecutor Haley Brown recused herself from future proceedings Tuesday.
Myles back to school board despite Wynn’s objections
Former Starkville School District Board of Trustees President Eddie Myles rejoined the consolidated school board and will fulfill outgoing President Eric Heiselt’s term.
SMART splits Boardtown route, adds new stops for residents
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Rapid Area Transit (SMART) has formally expanded its footprint in Starkville after experimenting with new public routes and stops this year.
Heiselt leaving Starkville school board, recommends Myles to post
Starkville School District Board of Trustees member Eric Heiselt tendered his letter of resignation with the city late last week, and Starkville aldermen are expected to hold a special-call meeting to fill his seat before Oktibbeha County School District merges with SSD Wednesday.
Marriage ruling will expand insurance coverage
Mississippi’s eventual recognition of marriage equality means additional spouses of city and county workers will be eligible to receive health insurance, officials confirmed Friday.
LINK angling potential 100-job project in Oktibbeha County
Golden Triangle Development LINK Chief Operating Officer Joey Deason confirmed his organization is close to landing a 100-job economic development project in Oktibbeha County.
New school district, OCEMA to share facility
The short-term future of Oktibbeha County School District’s administrative home was decided Wednesday as supervisors voted 3-2 to temporarily split the Main Street facility between the upcoming Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District and Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency.
Heat advisory issued for Golden Triangle
Officials say Golden Triangle residents should avoid strenuous outdoor activities today and Thursday as the heat index could reach 105 degrees.
SPD undergoing on-site study for CALEA reaccreditation
The Starkville Police Department opened its doors and filing cabinets to Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) assessors this week.
Stormwater board finds issues with development
Starkville’s stormwater hearing committee tabled an ordinance relief request from Dan Moreland Friday, but final approval from the group is unlikely after members said his Louisville Street development is projected to increase water discharge in the area.
